3 Responses to “How Can I Get My Autistic Child To Sleep Through The Night?”

Hi There! Depending on her age, there are things you can try. One of the things I do is to stop the caffeine since it can last for 24 hours in a child’s system, and the same for sugary juices, fruits, candies, etc.
Start the bedtime process at the same time every night. Have a ritual like for instance my daughter would ask to have a cool, wet wash cloth to put over her eyes. Give her something that she can count on every night. Autistic kids don’t always want a bedtime story or a back rub. They may ask for something unusual like lining up the stuffed animals in a row.
Some kids are extra sensitive and hyervigilant in their sleep. Try to keep noise and activity in the home to a minimum. Don’t have the TV on loud or the other kids screaming. You can also try ear plugs with her. If light from the hall bothers her, you can roll a towel and put it down on the floor by the bottom of the door.
You can talk to her doctor about sleep medication. Everyone deserves sleep, especially the child terrorized by thoughts and dreams in the night. If she doesn’t sleep soon the whole family, you first, will become ill and depressed. It’s a matter of survival so don’t feel guilty for asking the doctor. Other parents need to walk a mile in your shoes if they have something smart to say to you about it.
If you need to email me please do. I have experience working with Autistic kids and adults. I will help any way that I can. Best of luck to you and yours.

Well the main thing is that she may feel alone in her room. She may miss the closeness that you once shared. My daughter does that all the time, she will fall asleep by herself and then keep my girlfriend up all night llong becuase she misses her mom. It will pass with time. Good luck.